Friday Randomness (Vol. 11)

Scripture speaking to my heart

I had the privilege of listening to Lisa-Jo Baker read from James 3 this week on an (in)couragers Spreecast. She read from The Message translation and the words (and her beautiful voice) have been on my mind all week. (The link was provided above instead of me sharing the entire chapter.)

JOY-filled scripture

"I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart, I’m writing the book on your wonders. I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I’m singing your song, High God." ~ Psalm 9:1-2

What am I reading

I'm still working on finishing Jennie Allen's book, Anything.

I shared a quote from her book on my Facebook page earlier in the week and I'm still at the same place reflecting on her powerful question. "What if we wanted what God wanted most? What if we wanted, like Jesus, God's glory above every other thing?"

And it's time to giveaway a copy of her book. I won't make you wait for me to finish since I'm moving at a snail's pace.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Featured #ThreeWordWednesday Writer

Our featured writer this week is Kristin Taylor of 152 Insights to My Soul.

What do I love about Kristin? I love how she opens her home and family to us. She loves to tell stories and her stories always reflect her faith in God. She is just real and an absolute delight. I'm also incredibly grateful for her continual love and encouragement.

Me: What do you like most about Three Word Wednesday?

Kristin: I liked the Three Word Wednesday idea from the beginning because it reminded me God's truth could be simple. It was refreshing to have a few words as the focus of a deeper concept. Expanding the concept of Three Word Wednesday to a link up helps me focus on truth this way. You're such a sweet encourager that it only makes sense for your to lead something like this link up. {I love you, friend!}

Me: Why did you start blogging?

Kristin: I started blogging long ago because a friend told me I'd like it. Back then it was a journal type thing a few friends read. As I continued writing through different seasons of life, God used documenting life this way as therapy for my soul. As a former newspaper reporter who is now mostly a stay-at-home mom, blogging gives me a way to document life so I don't forget the details of life, connect with others who love stories, and process what God is teaching me.

Me: You all need to get to know her.

Link up

"What Words of Life encourage you as you listen to the soft gentle voice speaking to your heart in His written word?" ~ Rebekah Hughes

Come share with Rebekah of A Soft Gentle Voice on Wednesday's for her Words of Life Wednesdays Link up.

In real life meet ups

I get to meet two blogging friends this weekend for the first time (on separate occasions). I can't wait to meet you Jenn and Amy.

Favorite blog reads

How to Know You Are Beautiful from Diane Bailey

When You Need To Hear You Are Amazing from Karin at Sunrise with a six pack. Yes, she is one of my favorites again. Love my #milspouse friend.

Favorite new song (not new to me but new to you)

It's a song you've never heard because it was written by the worship leader at my church. Plans are in the works to record his song but in the meantime I hope you take a moment to reflect on these beautiful lyrics.

"You see me in the midst of sin

You accept me, You invite me in

Though dirt stained hands and wandering heart

You wash me, You make me whole

Overwhelm me, overwhelm me

Overwhelm me with Your grace

Motivation Changed, life rearranged

Eyes unveiled through Your mercy Lord

This grace so sure, unmerited

It causes me to run to You

Sovereign

Free to all

Everlasting

Unconditional"

Overwhelm Me

by Pastor Celby Hadley

I'm finding JOY in a deployment #JoyDare #1000gifts

#22 ~ A new coffee mug from a friend. I think of her every time I have a cup.

#23 ~ Time with my small group family and a discussion that was "just right."

#24 ~ Friends who come over with letters and gifts to mail to my husband.

#25 ~ The fitness center in my office building... easy access which doesn't require me going back outdoors or getting in my car to get there.

#26 ~ Courage to do scary things.

#27 ~ Seeing beauty in chaos.

#28 ~ God providing the funds to attend the Compel Conference

#29 ~ Friends that encourage.

#30 ~ My new One Word necklace and the one I purchased for my sister-in-law

#31 ~ Three beautiful scarves received in the mail from my husband.